|
Description:
|
As landfill cost increases and landfill space decreases , municipalities and organic waste producers are using composting as a method of diverting organic materials from the waste stream and utilizing the compost products as valuable organic amendments . For a composted product to be marketed profitably it must demonstrate consistency , stability , and predictability and show no phytotoxic effects .
Composted yard waste from a municipal composting facility in Piano , Texas was evaluated as a suitable constituent of potting media for greenhouse production of Green Comet broccoli {Brassica oleracea L . ) transplants . Five growth media composed of differential rates of compost and commercial potting media were evaluated for effects on germination , and seven were evaluated for effects on seedling growth . Higher rates of compost , 50 % and above , reduced emergence . Rates of 66 % compost showed the best overall results on seedling growth with significant differences in heights and in fresh and dry weights . As expected , soluble salt levels were higher in higher rates of compost .
In field production of Green Comet broccoli , four types of compost amendments were banded into the planting row : (1 ) raw cattle manure , (2 ) composted cattle manure , (3 ) composted cotton burrs , (4 ) composted yard waste , and a control with no compost added . Each compost was applied at two rates , 11 MT /ha and 22 .5 MT /ha . No significant differences between treatments were found for yield . Rates of compost also did not produce significant differences . |